Disabling device

ABSTRACT

A disabling device comprises a U member (12) having a U-shaped cross section defining a base of the U and two limbs (21, 22). Each limb has an aperture (23, 24), the two apertures being opposite each other. A pin (11) has a stem (32) and a head (31), the stem being sized to engage in the apertures (23, 24) and to extend between the limbs while engaged in the apertures. A lock (14) locks the pin to the U member, whereby the device cannot be removed from the apparatus being disabled.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for disabling apparatus,particularly though not exclusively for disabling a vehicle or itstrailer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Theft of contractors plant is a severe problem.

The object of the invention is to provide a means of disabling avehicle, trailer or the like to render its movement difficult and hencedeter its theft.

THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided a disabling device fordisabling apparatus to which the device is locked, the devicecomprising:

a U member having a U-shaped cross-section defining a base of the U andtwo limbs;

each limb having an aperture, the two apertures being opposite eachother;

a removable pin having a stem and a head, the stem being sized to engagein the apertures and to extend through the limbs whilst engaged in theapertures; and

a lock for locking the pin to the U member, whereby the device cannot beremoved from the apparatus, which is thereby disabled.

Normally the lock is a padlock and the pin is adapted for locking to theU member with the padlock positioned between the limbs of the U member.

Preferably, a portion of the pin passes through an aperture in one ofthe limbs and has a transverse bore for receiving the link or pin of thepadlock, the transverse bore being between the limbs of the U memberwhen the pin is engaged.

Conveniently, the stem of the pin has the transverse bore for receivingthe link or pin of the padlock.

Preferably, the head of the pin and the limb, against which it lies whenthe stem is engaged in the apertures, are adapted to prevent rotation ofthe engaged pin.

In simple embodiments of the disabling device, the anti-rotationadaption is in the form of a flat on the head and a bar or flange fixedon the limb, the flat being spaced from the centre of the stem of thepin such that it fits closely to the bar or flange when the pin isinserted in the apertures.

As described in our International Patent Application No. PCT/GB93/00416we have described disabling of a tracked vehicle by passing a pinthrough an aperture in a track of the vehicle and locking the pin to thechassis of the vehicle. For an elastomeric material track we proposed tocut or pre-fabricate the aperture in the track.

We now propose to utilise one of the drive sprocket apertures alreadyprovided in the track in combination with one embodiment of thedisabling device for disabling the vehicle equipped with the track.

In this embodiment of the disabling device:

the stem of the pin is sized to pass through a drive sprocket aperture;

the device includes a bracket defining an aperture and welded in use toa chassis part of the vehicle and adapted both to receive one limb ofthe U member in its aperture with the apertures in the limbs alignedwith one of the drive sprocket apertures and the bracket between theaperture in the received limb and the base of the U member securing theU member to the chassis part; and

the arrangement is such that in use the lock locks the pin across thelimbs of the U member with its stem passing through the track aperture,whereby the vehicle is disabled from movement of its track.

In this embodiment, the anti-rotation adaption can be in the form of aspigot fixed to the head, extending in the same direction as the stemand spaced from it, and a second aperture in the limb against which thehead lies when the stem is engaged in the apertures, the spigot engagingin the second aperture to prevent rotation of the engaged pin.

Preferably, the spigot has the transverse bore for receiving the link orpin of the padlock.

In another embodiment of the disabling device, it is adapted to disablea telescopic actuator;

the U member is a channel member sized to fit a rod of the actuatorbetween its cylinder and an end fitting of the rod; and

the arrangement is such that in use the lock locks the channel member tothe rod, whereby the actuator cannot be stroked with the channel memberfitted due to interposition of the channel member between the cylinderand the end fitting.

Where the telescopic actuator is for instance a steering ram of avehicle, the vehicle is disabled by disablement of the steering ram.

Preferably, the channel member has end flanges for abutting the cylinderand the end fitting of the actuator without damaging them, shouldattempt be made to stroke the actuator without removal of the channelmember.

The channel member may be a double overlapping channel, comprised of twochannel elements, each having a plurality of apertures in each limb, theplurality of apertures being arrayed along the length of the channelelements, whereby the separation of the ends of the channel member canbe adjusted to suit different lengths of actuator.

In a third embodiment of the disabling device, the U member has thelength and width of its base and the height of its limbs all of the sameorder of magnitude and the separation of its limbs suitable toaccommodate a towing eye, whereby the device is adapted to disable thetowing eye of a trailer.

THE DRAWINGS

To help understanding of the invention, three specific embodiments andvariants thereof will now be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side view of a tracked vehicle having adisabling device of the first embodiment of the invention fitted as atrack lock;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic plan view of the track of the vehicle of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view on the line III--III in FIG. 1 of thedisabling device;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view on the line IV--IV of thedisabling device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3 of a first variant of the disablingdevice as a track lock;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional plan view on the line VI--VI in FIG. 5 ofthe varied disabling device;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 3 of a second variant of the disablingdevice as a track lock;

FIG. 8 is a similar view of a third variant track lock;

FIG. 9 is a similar view of a fourth variant track lock;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic plan view of a vehicle's steering linkage,with a disabling device of the second embodiment of the invention fittedon a steering ram as a ram lock;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the ram lock fitted to the steering ram;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional end view on the line XII--XII in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a side view similar to FIG. 11 of a first variant ram lock;

FIG. 14 is an end view of the variant of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is another side view similar to FIG. 11 of a second variant ramlock;

FIG. 16 is an end view of the second variant ram lock;

FIG. 17 is a side view of a disabling device of the third embodiment ofthe invention in use as an eye lock; and

FIG. 18 is a plan view of the disabling device of FIG. 17.

FIRST EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2, a tracked vehicle 1 has at one side anelastomeric material track 2 mounted to run on sprocket drive wheels 3,4around a carriage 5. Drive from the sprocket wheels 3,4 to the track isvia apertures 6 in the track, along its centre line, as is conventional.

In accordance with the invention, a lock pin 11 having a head 31 and astem 32, a U member 12, a bracket 13 and a padlock 14 lock the track tothe chassis. The padlock is of the box type as sold under the Viro trademark. The bracket 13 is of invert U shape and is welded to the carriage5 to define with it an aperture 13'. The U member 12 is of aluminium toresist flame cutting. When fitted its limbs 21,22 lie horizontally, withthe lower limb 21 received through the bracket, that is in the apertureit defines with the carriage, so that the limbs extend in beyond thecentre of the track. The upper limb 22 extends above the track. Bothlimbs have a respective aperture or through bore 23,24, which bores aremutually aligned and are in alignment with one of the track apertures 6,when the U member is pushed fully home against the bracket 13 and thetrack 2 is in a suitable position with respect to the carriage.

With the U member thus engaged, the stem of the pin--also ofaluminium--can be dropped into the bores 23,24. The pin's head 31 thenrests on the upper limb 22, with its stem 32 passing through the bores23,24 and the track aperture 6. The end 33 of the pin remote from thehead is firmly engaged in the lower limb 21. As shown in FIG. 3, the end33 may be flush with the outside of the lower limb 21. Alternatively,the end 33 may extend beyond the limb 21.

The pin and U member are secured in this position by the padlock whoseown pin 34 passes through a cross-bore 35 in the stem 31 immediatelybelow the inside of the upper limb 22 of the U member. Thus, withoutauthorised removal of the padlock, the pin cannot be disengaged from theU member; the track 2 cannot be moved and the vehicle is disabled.Positioning of the padlock between the limbs inhibits interference withit.

First Variant of the First Embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, this first variant of the firstembodiment has a modified pin 41 having a lug 40 at its end 43 and themodified bores 53,54 in the U member, which are key-hole slot shaped toallow the stem 42 of the pin to pass into them. The lower limb 51 has anundercut 55 into which the pin's lug 40 can be turned when engaged inthe lower limb's bore 53. A pair of lugs 56 are provided on the uppersurface of the lower limb and have respective bores 57 which are inalignment with a bore 58 in the stem when the lug 40 is in the undercut55. In this position, the padlock 44 can be fitted to the bores 57,58,thus securing the pin 41 to the lower limb 51. The latter is itself heldto the carriage by a bracket 61. Thus the vehicle is disabled.

Second Variant of the First Embodiment

The disabling device shown in FIG. 7 is varied from the first embodimentin that a second bracket 13' is welded to the carriage of the disabledvehicle for receiving the lower limb of the U member of the disablingdevice.

Also shown in FIG. 7 is a side bracket 12' welded to the U member forlocking on of a trailer by means of a lock of our InternationalApplication No.PCT/GB93/00426.

Third Variant of the First Embodiment

The disabling device shown in FIG. 8 has a lock pin 111 which has a stem151 and a spigot 152, each extending through respective bores 124', 124"in the top limb 122 of the U member and bores 123',123" in the bottomlimb 121. The stem 151 engages in the track 102. The spigot 152 has anopening 153 for receiving the pin 134 of a padlock 114. The device isheld in position by means of a slotted plate 154 welded to the side ofthe vehicle's carriage and through which the lower limb extends.

Fourth Variant of the First Embodiment

In the variant of FIG. 9, lock pin 111' is cranked upwardly, to allow aspace between itself and the top limb 122 at the outer finger 152, suchthat the eye of a trailer can be locked to the disabling device.

This first embodiment and its variants are not intended to be restrictedto the details of them as described above. For instance, the pin and Umember may be of steel; the stem 32 of the pin may be of sufficientlength for a trailer's eye to be locked to the vehicle with the stempassing through the eye and the latter resting on the track beneath thepin's head; and the stem may be apertured for fitting of the padlockimmediately below the track--but still between the limbs of the Umember.

The spigot 152 of the third variant may not extend as far as the lowerlimb 121, which then need not be provided with the bore 123".

SECOND EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 10, a vehicle with a body 201 (shown partially)has a front axle 202 and front wheels 203. The wheels are connected tothe axle about king pins 204. Forwards-directed radius arms 205 arefixed to hubs of the wheels 203 and interconnected by a steering link206, whereby the wheels are steered together. A steering ram 207 has aforwards extending rod 208, connected at its remote end to steering arm209 fast with the nearside wheel's hub. Stroking of the ram causes thewheels to be steered together.

Fitted on the rod 208 is disabling device of the invention in the formof a ram lock 211. It extends between a cylinder 212 of the actuator anda knuckle 213, by which the rod 208 is connected to the steering arm209. With the lock being the length shown in FIG. 10, the steering ram207 cannot be contracted for steering of the vehicle to the right.

Turning to FIGS. 11 and 12, the ram lock comprises a steel U-sectionchannel 214 with end plates 215,216 welded across its ends. The platesare cutaway to match the internal U-shape of the channel and allow thechannel to be dropped onto the ram's rod 208, between the cylinder 212and the knuckle 213. At mid-length of the channel, close to its openedge, it has a bore through both of its flanges 217,218 for a headed pin219. When the channel is fitted to the rod 208, the pin can be passedinto the bores, which prevents the channel from being lifted from therod. A stem of the pin 219 has a cross-bore for the pin 220 of a "box"type padlock 221. The padlock fits snugly between the flanges of thechannel, so that the pin 219 is captivated when the padlock is lockedonto it.

Once the padlock is fitted the channel prevents the rod 208 and knuckle213 being drawn in towards the cylinder, at least beyond the length ofthe channel.

In an alternative, the channel and its end plates may be of length tojust fit between the cylinder and the knuckle when the ram is fullyextended, whereby the steering is locked on full lock.

Whilst the lock has been described for locking the steering of thevehicle, it could be used for locking other telescopic actuators, suchas the jib and bucket rams of an excavator.

First Variant of the Second Embodiment

Turning to FIGS. 13 and 14, a varied ram lock comprises a U-sectionchannel 254 pressed from steel plate, with end flanges 255,256 bent outat its ends. Towards its mid-length, the channel is deeper and, close toits open edge, it has a bore 257',258' through both of its flanges257,258 for a headed pin 259. One 258 of the flanges has a turned outlip 270. The pin 259 has a head 271 in the form of a disc 272 welded toa stem 273 of the pin 259. The disk 272 has an edge cut-out leaving aflat 274 which co-operates with the lip 270 to ensure that the pin canbe fully engaged in one orientation only. When the channel is fitted toan actuator rod, the pin can be passed into the bores, which preventsthe channel from being lifted from the rod. The stem 273 of the pin 259has a cross-bore 275 for the pin of a "box" type padlock. Fitting of thepadlock is eased by the pin being constrained to be oriented such thatthe bore 275 is parallel with the length of the channel. The padlockfits snugly between the flanges of the channel, so that the the pin 259is captivated when the padlock is locked onto it.

Second Variant of the Second Embodiment

The second ram lock variant, shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, is an adjustablelength disabling device for fitting to differing length rams. This ramlock comprises two pressed steel channel members 301,302, the one beingsized to fit within the other. Each has a respective end flange 303,304.Each channel member has a plurality of respectve bores 305,306 in itsflanges 307,308. The bores are arrayed along the length of the members,so that when the end flanges are separated by differing amounts,different ones of the bores are aligned. Thus a pin 309 can be insertedin the bores to fix the end flanges at one of the separations at whichthe bores align. One of the flanges 308 of the outer member 302 has alip 310 for engaging with a flat 311 on the head 312 of the pin 309 toalign the cross bore 313 in the stem 314 of the pin as in the firstvariant.

THIRD EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the third embodiment disabling devicecomprises a U member 401 of heavy gauge steel--typically 12 mm--steelhaving limbs 402,403. The limbs are separated from each other by 65 mmto accommodate a towing eye and a padlock between them. They are 100 mhigh from the base of the U, and 80 mm long. Each limb has an aperture404 for a stem 405 of a pin 406. One limb 402 has a small section bar407 welded to it close to its aperture 404.

The pin has, welded onto the stem, a head 408 in the form of an annulusfrom which a circumferential portion has been cut away to leave a flat409. The flat is spaced from the centre of the pin such that it fitsclosely to the bar when the stem of the pin is inserted in theapertures, the flat 409 and the bar 407 cooperating to prevent rotationof the pin. Thus a cross-bore 410 in the stem is oriented parallel tothe base 411 for receiving the pin 412 of a "box" type padlock 413.

With the pin passed through the towing eye 420 of a trailer and thepadlock in position, the U member 401 prevents removal of the lock fromthe eye. Thus the trailer is disabled from being coupled to a tractorand unauthorised removal of the trailer is deterred.

As described, the cross-bore 410 is remote from the head 408 of the pin,but still between the limbs 402,403 when the pin is fitted. This isconvenient in allowing the U member to be fitted to the eye with the barcarrying limb 402 uppermost and the apertures 404 aligned with the eye.The pin can be dropped in and the padlock fitted beneath the eye withthe weight of the lock being carried by the eye. Accommodation of thepadlock between the limbs deters tampering with it.

This embodiment is not intended to be restricted to the detailsdescribed above. For instance, the pin's cross-bore 410 may be providedat the head end of the pin so that the padlock can be fitted immediatelyon the opposite side of the limb 402 from the head. Further, to allowthe lock to be fitted to a variety of sizes of eyes, the limbs may beprovided with a plurality of apertures 404, progressively spaced furtherfrom the base 411 of the U.

We claim:
 1. A disabling device lockable to a telescopic actuator fordisabling it, the telescopic actuator having a cylinder and a rod, therod being telescopically disposed within the cylinder, the rod having arod end fitting at an end opposite the cylinder, the device comprising:aU-shaped channel member sized to fit between the cylinder and the rodend fitting, the channel member having a base of the U and two limbs,each limb having an aperture, the two apertures being opposite eachother; and a padlock positioned between the limbs of the channel member,the padlock for locking the channel member to the rod of the actuator,whereby the actuator cannot be stroked with the channel member fitteddue to interposition of the channel member between the cylinder and therod end fitting; wherein:the device comprises a removable pin having astem and a head, the stem being sized to engage in the apertures in theU-shaped channel member limbs and to extend through the limbs whileengaged in the apertures, the stem having a transverse bore forreceiving the padlock between the U-shaped channel member limbs, and thehead being too large to pass through the apertures; the head of the pinand the limb against which it lies when the stem is engaged in theapertures are dimensioned to prevent rotation of the engaged pin so asto align the transverse bore along the length of the U-shaped channelmember and thereby facilitate installation of the padlock in thetransverse bore and so as to help prevent tampering with the device bypreventing rotational movement of the padlock relative to the U-shapedchannel member to prevent unauthorized removal of the padlock; the pinis dimensioned to be locked in position while its stem extends throughthe limbs of the channel member, wherein the pin is locked in positionby the padlock which is positioned between the limbs of the channelmember, and an end of the stem opposite from the head cannot be removedfrom the aperture it is engaged in and the channel member cannot beremoved from the rod of the actuator.
 2. A disabling device according toclaim 1, wherein the channel member has end flanges for abutting thecylinder and the rod end fitting of the actuator without damaging them.3. A disabling device according to claim 1, wherein the channel memberis a double overlapping channel, comprised of two channel elements, eachhaving a plurality of apertures in each limb, the plurality of aperturesbeing arrayed along the length of the channel elements, whereby theseparation of the ends of the channel member can be adjusted to suitdifferent lengths of actuator.
 4. A disabling device according to claim1, wherein the head of the pin and the limb are dimensioned in the formof a flat on the head and a bar or flange fixed on the limb, the flatbeing spaced from the center of the stem of the pin such that it fitsclosely to the bar or flange when the pin is inserted in the apertures.